Current Scenario

Heat pumps represent a promising technology for decarbonization by utilizing waste energy for useful purposes. In the Indian context, industrial heat pumps have a significant potential to reduce carbon emissions.

India's industrial sector is one of the largest consumers of energy, accounting for about 40% of the country's total energy consumption. The installed industrial heat pump capacity in India is currently estimated to be around 10 GW. With this capacity, India could potentially save around 35 million tons of CO2 emissions per annum, assuming the average efficiency improvements and emission reduction potential observed globally.

Types of Heat Pumps and Applications in India

Heat pumps in India are categorized into three main types: air source heat pumps, water source heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps. Each type derives heat from its respective source and transfers it to areas where it is needed, either for domestic or industrial applications.

• Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP): ASHPs are gaining traction in residential and commercial buildings in urban areas such as Delhi and Mumbai. They can provide heating during winter and cooling during summer, making them a versatile solution for year-round comfort.
• Water Source Heat Pumps (WSHP): WSHPs are suitable for regions with abundant water bodies. For instance, industries along the Ganges River are exploring WSHPs to utilize river water for heating and cooling processes.
• Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP): GHPs are particularly effective in regions with significant geothermal activity, such as the Himalayan belt. Projects in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are piloting GHPs for both residential heating and agricultural greenhouse applications.

Industrial Applications

In India, industries such as food processing, dairy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automotives operate processes at temperatures suitable for heat pump utilization (up to about 75 degrees Celsius).

• Food Processing: Heat pumps are being used in cold storage facilities in Punjab and Haryana, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing spoilage. This not only improved energy efficiency but also contributed to reducing post-harvest losses by 10%.
• Dairy: Amul, a leading dairy brand, has implemented heat pumps in its processing plants to maintain product quality while cutting down energy costs. By implementing heat pumps, reduced its energy consumption by 20%, leading to a significant decrease in operational costs and carbon emissions.
• Automotives: Companies like Tata Motors are incorporating heat pumps in their manufacturing units to optimize energy usage, resulting in a 15% reduction in energy usage.

Key Technology

India is witnessing several key innovations in the heat pump sector aimed at enhancing performance, reducing maintenance, and expanding applications:

• Enhanced Performance: Indian startups are developing advanced heat pumps with higher coefficients of performance. For example, companies in Bangalore are working on integrating AI in heat pump operations can potentially reduce energy consumption by an additional 10-15%. Expected to improve efficiency by 20-30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels.
• Low Maintenance Solutions: Efforts are being made to design heat pumps that require minimal maintenance, and reduce maintenance costs by 25-30% by 2030. The National Institute of Technology (NIT) has initiated research projects focusing on durable and self-cleaning heat pump systems, decreasing operational downtime by 20%.
• Alternative Refrigerants: With a focus on environmental sustainability, Indian manufacturers are exploring the use of alternative refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP), reducing the GWP of heat pump systems by 50-60% by 2030. Projects in collaboration with international partners are testing natural refrigerants like ammonia and CO2.
• Hybrid Systems: Hybrid heat pump systems that combine the functionalities of heat pumps and air conditioners are being developed to cater to the diverse climatic conditions across India, and achieve energy savings of 20-25% over traditional systems. Hybrid systems will account for 15-20% of the residential heating and cooling market in India.